Russia Probes Telegram's Durov While Pushing State-Run Rival
Russia opens investigation into Pavel Durov for allegedly abetting terrorism as it promotes its own messaging app Max.
Russia has launched a criminal investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov, accusing him of "abetting terrorist activities." The move comes as the country simultaneously ramps up restrictions on Telegram and pushes its state-backed messaging alternative, the Max app.
The dual strategy is clear: squeeze Telegram while funneling users toward a platform Russia controls. Max is being positioned as the go-to replacement for one of the most popular messaging apps in the Russian-speaking world.
Durov has faced legal pressure from multiple governments over Telegram's content moderation practices. Russia's investigation adds another front to his growing list of legal headaches.
The crackdown signals an escalating effort to curb independent communication platforms in favor of state-run alternatives. For Telegram's hundreds of millions of users, the implications extend well beyond Russia's borders.